Here are almost all the differences between Qualitative and Quantitative research:
Qualitative Research | |
| Quantitative research is the research where researcher decides what to do and what not to | Qualitative research is the research where researcher relies on the views of the participants |
| It is conducted to explain or prove the theories | It is conducted to explore the situation and find out any new concepts, theories or phenomena |
| Common research objective is to describe, explain and quantify the problem | Common research objective is to explore and gain understanding of the problems or reasons |
| Research questions include ‘What’ and ‘When’ | Research questions include ‘How’ and ‘Why’ |
| Scientific method of research is Confirmatory i.e. top-down, where the researcher will test hypothesis from the collected data | Scientific method of research is Exploratory i.e. bottom-up, where new hypothesis or theories are generated from the collected data |
| It follows Deductive reasoning method [fitting data in theories] i.e. Starts from the Theory, from which we form Hypothesis, make the Observation and finally confirm our Hypothesis | It follows Inductive reasoning method [looking for emergence of any theory] i.e. Starts from Observation, then we find out the Pattern, make the Tentative hypothesis and finally form the Theory |
| Data collected are more in numbers and statistics | Data collected are more in words and images |
| Data collection methods are mainly structured interviews, surveys, statistical records | Data collection methods are mainly In-depth Interviews [IDI], Focus Group Discussion [FGD], observation and document reviews |
| There are specific/certain ways of reaching from point A [start] to point B [end] | There are multiple ways of reaching from point A [start] to point B [end] |
| Sampling is mostly ‘random sampling’ | Sampling is mostly ‘non-random sampling’ |
| It gives limited information of more cases | It gives more information of limited cases |
| It is considered to have narrow angle lens | It is considered to have wide angle range |
| It cannot have methodological innovations | It can have methodological innovations |
| Only specific variables are studied here | Study of the whole subject is done |
| Data collection is more structured | Data collection is less structured |
| Sample size is an important issue | Sample size is not an important issue |
| Inquiry is result oriented | The Inquiry is process oriented |
| Statistical tests are necessary to prove the hypothesis | No statistical tests required |
| Hypothesis is tested here | Hypothesis is generated here |
| Findings are more generalizable | Findings are less generalizable |
| Results are quite specific | Results are very descriptive |
| Report of quantitative researches are more statistical showing the relationship between the variables | Report of qualitative researches are narrative including direct quotation of the participants |
Challenges in analyzing data:
| Challenges in analyzing data:
|
References and For More Information:
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//www.orau.gov/cdcynergy/soc2web/content/phase05/phase05_step03_deeper_qualitative_and_quantitative.htm
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//dovetailapp.com/guides/qual-quant
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//rmsresults.com/2016/06/03/what-is-the-difference-between-qualitative-and-quantitative-research/
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Johnson, B., & Christensen, L. [2008]. Educational research: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches [p. 34]. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Lichtman, M. [2006]. Qualitative research in education: A user’s guide [pp. 7-8]. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.